Italy Student Visa from Bangladesh 2027

Overview

Italy is one of the most popular European destinations for Bangladeshi students because public university tuition is low, many programs are taught in English, and regional DSU scholarships can cover fees, housing and meals for students with limited family income. To study a full bachelor's or master's degree you need a national long-stay Type D study visa, specifically the visa for university enrolment (Immatricolazione Università), which is valid for 365 days with multiple entries.

The process is tightly linked to the Universitaly portal of the Ministry of University and Research (MUR). You apply to your university, then submit a pre-enrolment application on Universitaly. Only after the university validates it can you apply for a visa. In Bangladesh, VFS Global contacts validated applicants by email (using the email address registered on Universitaly) to book a submission appointment at the VFS Italy centre in Gulshan, Dhaka, where biometrics are also taken.

Italian embassies assess migration risk carefully, and the Dhaka embassy's checklist is detailed and Bangladesh-specific: 12 months of bank statements from a bank operating in Bangladesh, a Declaration of Value (DoV) or verifiable CIMEA certificate for your academic documents, an IELTS score of at least 6 for English-taught courses, and civil documents apostilled by the Bangladesh Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The final decision belongs to the embassy, and a university admission does not guarantee a visa.

The visa is only the first step. Within eight working days of arriving in Italy you must apply for a residence permit for study (permesso di soggiorno per studio) using the postal kit at a post office. The permit must be renewed each year, and renewal depends on passing exams: at least one exam in your first year and at least two in each following year.

What's new for 2027

• The MUR procedures for international students already cover both 2026/27 and 2027/28, so most rules for the 2027 intake are known. Embassy-level details (VFS fees, the Dhaka checklist) are based on 2026 and may be updated, so re-check the Embassy of Italy in Dhaka and VFS closer to applying.
• Earlier visa deadline: for 2027/28 bachelor’s and master’s programs, visa applications must be lodged by 31 October 2027, a month earlier than the 30 November deadline for 2026/27. Universities may set even earlier deadlines.
• Proof of funds stays at the higher level: EUR 10,179.85 per year applies to 2027/28 as well, from lawful, traceable sources held by you or family up to the fourth degree.
• Validation cap continues: universities can validate pre-enrolment applications only up to their non-EU quota plus 20%, and quotas for 2027/28 are set by 31 December 2026. Apply as soon as calls open.
• Biometrics, DoV/CIMEA verification and the IELTS-only rule in Dhaka are expected to continue; no further changes had been officially announced as of September 2026.

Scholarships available in Italy

Italy has no national tuition-only discount for international students, so funding comes in three layers: MAECI and Invest Your Talent in Italy for master’s and postgraduate study, MUR-funded PhD research grants, and income-tested regional right-to-study (DSU) schemes that cover tuition, housing and canteen. The biggest trap is timing — the national postgraduate calls close in March and May, months before the October start — and most DSU and university grants only pay students who are already enrolled.

• Invest Your Talent in Italy (IYT) (MAECI, ICE and Uni-Italia): EUR 10,800 per year paid in quarterly instalments, plus exemption from enrolment fees and university contributions. You still pay the regional right-to-study tax, stamp duty, insurance and health insurance, and travel and accommodation are not covered. The 11th edition ran 20 April – 11 May 2026; the next edition is expected in April – May 2027 (projected)
• MAECI scholarships (Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI), applied through the Study in Italy portal): EUR 10,800 in total for a 9-month course, paid in quarterly instalments with a larger first payment, plus exemption from tuition fees. Regional right-to-study tax and stamp duty remain payable. The 2026/27 call closed at 14:00 CET on 26 March 2026; the next cycle is expected to close around late March 2027 (projected)
• MUR PhD research grants (borsa di ricerca / investimento formativo) (Italian universities, registered in the MUR calls database): A cash grant for up to 36 months, around EUR 16,000–17,500 per year gross in 2026/27: Modena–Reggio Emilia EUR 17,000, Bologna EUR 16,982, Turin about EUR 17,500, and Pisa EUR 16,243 gross plus a research budget of at least 10% and a 50% uplift for up to 12 months abroad. The PhD tuition contribution is separate and is not stated as covered. Calls open around March and closed between 12 May and 15 June in the 2026/27 cycle; 2027/28 deadlines were not published at the time of checking
• Politecnico di Milano DSU (a.y. 2026/27) (Politecnico di Milano, through the regional right-to-study scheme): Full tuition exemption plus student housing and canteen allowances, all income-tested against family circumstances. Annual call published before enrolment for the following academic year
• Lazio Disco Right to Study 2026/27 (Lazio Disco, the regional student service for universities in Lazio): Tuition exemption plus housing, canteen and study support services, income-tested. Annual call; beneficiaries must be enrolled by 10 February 2027
• University of Brescia international scholarships (University of Brescia): 13 scholarships for the 2026/27 English-taught LMINT master’s programme. Applications closed 15 March 2026 for 2026/27 entry
• Erasmus Mundus joint master’s programmes (European Commission, delivered by consortia of European universities): Tuition, a monthly stipend, travel support and a funded placement, in the combination set by each consortium. Consortium-specific; the University of Bologna’s CLE Global Challenges in Governance admits in two intakes, November 2026 and March–April 2027
• University of Bologna international student hardship grants (University of Bologna): 327 grants of EUR 2,000 for students in documented serious financial hardship, open to non-EU students on the basis of their university credentials. Annual call published by the university
• University of Bologna overseas mobility grant (University of Bologna): A contribution towards the cost of a study period abroad; the amount is set in each call. The 2027/28 call opened in mid-October 2026 and closes in mid-November 2026

Who can apply

• Completed at least 12 years of schooling for bachelor's entry (HSC or A-Levels normally meet this), or a recognised bachelor's degree for master's entry
• Admission to an Italian university or AFAM institution and a pre-enrolment application on Universitaly that the institution has validated without reservations
• Proof of at least EUR 10,179.85 per academic year from lawful, traceable sources held by you or a permitted sponsor
• Language proficiency of at least B2 in the language of instruction; IELTS 6.0 or higher for English-taught programs when applying in Dhaka
• A Declaration of Value from the Italian Embassy in Dhaka (or its application receipt) or a verifiable CIMEA statement of comparability and authenticity
• Suitable accommodation in Italy for at least the first 30 days
• Health insurance valid in Italy and the Schengen area for the whole stay
• Residence in Bangladesh (non-Bangladeshi applicants need a valid Bangladeshi residence permit)
• A credible study plan and no significant migration risk in the embassy's assessment

Requirements by study level

Intermediate / A Level

Italy has very limited routes for secondary-level study by Bangladeshi students. After HSC or A-Levels (12 years of schooling) most students can go directly to a bachelor's degree, while university foundation courses are an option for those who need preparation.

• Bangladeshi HSC and A-Level qualifications normally satisfy Italy's 12-year schooling requirement, so a foundation year is often not required for bachelor's entry
• Foundation courses at Italian universities are studied on a Type D study visa; there is no 30 November deadline for them, but you must apply before teaching starts
• Foundation courses delivered in Italian or another language also require the university to verify your language level
• Minors (under 18) need consent from both parents, parents' passport copies and financial proof, the minor's apostilled birth certificate, and proof of adequate protection in Italy until age 18
• Italian secondary schools rarely admit full-time international students without a family in Italy; exchange programs are the usual route and are handled case by case by the embassy
• If you are finishing HSC, you can pre-enrol with reservations and submit an official provisional certificate from the education board when applying

Bachelor's Degree

Bachelor's degrees (laurea triennale, usually three years) are the most common route for Bangladeshi students after HSC or A-Levels. Many public universities offer English-taught programs, and some require an admission test such as TOLC or an online interview.

• Submit your application to the university first, then complete the Universitaly pre-enrolment for the same program
• Only one degree program can be selected per Universitaly pre-enrolment for students with standard foreign qualifications
• Provide SSC and HSC certificates and transcripts, with DoV or CIMEA verification, and a translation into Italian where required
• IELTS 6.0 or higher is expected for English-taught programs when applying in Dhaka; universities may set higher scores
• Architecture, medicine and some other programs have competitive national or university admission tests
• Regional DSU scholarships can cover tuition and part of living costs, but they cannot be counted as proof of funds unless you already have an explicit award letter

Master's Degree

Master's degrees (laurea magistrale, usually two years) are popular with Bangladeshi graduates, especially in engineering, computer science, economics and management. Universities check that your bachelor's degree matches the program closely.

• A recognised bachelor's degree (Bologna first cycle / EQF level 6 equivalent) is required; the university assesses whether your credits match the entry requirements
• Submit your degree certificate and transcript with detailed course content, plus DoV or CIMEA verification
• Many programs require a strong CGPA and specific credits in prerequisite subjects; some use GRE or GMAT for competitive courses
• University masters (Master di I or II livello) and PhDs are not bound by the 30 November deadline but must be applied for before teaching starts
• A clear motivation letter linking your bachelor's, any work experience and your career plan in Bangladesh helps with both the university and the embassy
• After graduating you can convert to a work permit outside Italy's entry quotas or seek work under the job-seeking permit

PhD / Doctorate

An Italian PhD is entered through a university call for positions rather than a national portal, and for international students the funded position itself is the route: the university advertises a doctoral seat with a MUR research grant attached, you apply directly to that university, and the whole annual cycle starts on 1 November.

• One PhD cycle per year: courses start on 1 November, and most universities publish 2–3 calls inside the same cycle, such as Pisa’s Bando A and Bando B. A later call takes remaining funded places, it is not a second intake.
• You need a recognised bachelor’s degree, and a master’s is normally required for admission even where the call does not make it mandatory. Universities assess your credits and often your research proposal and interview.
• Most doctoral seats come with a MUR research grant (borsa di ricerca) of up to 36 months at roughly EUR 16,000–17,500 per year gross — Modena–Reggio Emilia EUR 17,000, Bologna EUR 16,982, Turin about EUR 17,500, Pisa EUR 16,243 gross plus a research budget of at least 10% and a 50% uplift for up to 12 months abroad.
• The grants are open to all nationalities; the Modena–Reggio Emilia call states no age or nationality limit. They are advertised on the university’s own website and in the MUR database at bandi.mur.gov.it.
• Calls open around March and close in May or June, which is 5–6 months before the course starts, so there is time to apply for more than one university if your profile allows.
• There is no fixed national visa deadline for a PhD, but the visa cannot be issued once teaching has started, and the 31 October 2027 national deadline applies to your bachelor’s or master’s visa, not this one.

How to apply, step by step

1. Choose programs and apply to universities: Shortlist Italian universities and English-taught programs, check each one's international admission deadline, and submit applications with your transcripts, IELTS, CV and motivation letter.
2. Start DoV or CIMEA verification: Apostille your academic documents through the Bangladesh Ministry of Foreign Affairs, then apply for a Declaration of Value at the Italian Embassy in Dhaka or a CIMEA statement of comparability online.
3. Receive admission and complete Universitaly pre-enrolment: After your university admits you, submit the pre-enrolment application on Universitaly for the same program, using an email address you check regularly.
4. Wait for university validation: The university reviews and validates your pre-enrolment. Validation is limited to the university's quota plus 20%, so delays in completing pre-enrolment can cost you a slot.
5. Book your VFS appointment: VFS Global emails validated Universitaly applicants to schedule their submission appointment at VFS Italy in Gulshan 1, Dhaka.
6. Prepare funds, accommodation and insurance: Make sure your or your sponsor's 12-month bank history supports at least EUR 10,179.85, book accommodation for at least 30 days, buy Schengen-valid insurance and make a one-way flight reservation.
7. Submit your application and biometrics at VFS: Attend in person with original documents and copies, pay the visa fee and service charge in BDT, and give your photo and ten fingerprints.
8. Embassy decision: The Embassy of Italy in Dhaka reviews your file and may ask for more documents or an interview. Track your application through VFS.
9. Travel to Italy: The visa is valid for 365 days with multiple entries. Travel in time for enrolment and the start of classes.
10. Apply for your residence permit: Within eight working days of arrival, submit the permesso di soggiorno application using the postal kit at a post office (or a university help desk), then attend the Questura appointment for fingerprints.

Document checklist

• National Type D visa application form (Completed in English or Italian and signed; for minors, signed by both parents or the legal guardian)
• One recent photo (ICAO format, 3.5 x 4.0 cm, colour, white background, taken within the last 6 months)
• Valid passport, original + 1 copy (Valid at least 3 months beyond the visa's expiry, with at least two blank visa pages; copy of the bio page)
• Universitaly pre-enrolment summary (Confirmation downloaded from Universitaly, validated by the university and stating enrolment and tuition fees)
• Declaration of Value or CIMEA certificate (DoV issued by the Italian Embassy in Dhaka (or its application receipt), or a verifiable CIMEA statement of comparability and authenticity)
• Academic certificates and transcripts (SSC and HSC (or O/A-Level) for bachelor's; bachelor's degree and transcript for master's, with Italian translations where required)
• Language certificate (IELTS overall 6.0 or higher for English-taught courses (only IELTS is accepted in Dhaka), or at least B2 for Italian; issued within 2 years, unless already verified by the university on Universitaly)
• Applicant's bank statement (Personal statement from a bank operating in Bangladesh covering the last 12 months, plus other proof of solvency)
• Sponsor's bank statement and income proof (12 months of statements plus evidence of the source of funds such as salary, property or long-held investments; a copy of the residence permit if the sponsor lives in Italy)
• Proof of relationship with the sponsor (Birth certificate apostilled by the Bangladesh Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
• Proof of accommodation (Booking for at least 30 days, a rental or purchase contract, or a formal hospitality declaration from a resident in Italy with a copy of their ID)
• One-way flight booking (Reservation with PNR or booking number and itinerary; do not buy a non-refundable ticket before the visa)
• Health / travel insurance (Valid for the whole Schengen area and the whole period of stay)
• Scholarship award letter (If applicable; a scholarship does not exempt you from showing financial means)
• Civil status documents (Marriage, divorce or spouse's death certificate in English and apostilled by the Bangladesh MoFA, if applicable)
• Documents for minors (Parental consent, parents' passport copies, apostilled birth certificate and court documents for legal guardians)
• VFS fee payment (Visa fee and service charge paid in BDT at the VFS centre as instructed)

Costs & proof of funds

• Type D visa fee: EUR 50 (about BDT 5,750)
• VFS service charge: EUR 38 (about BDT 4,370) + about BDT 270 bank draft charge
• Residence permit (first year): About EUR 95–100
• Tuition at public universities: About EUR 0–4,000 per year
• Tuition at private universities: About EUR 6,000–20,000+ per year
• Living costs: About EUR 700–1,200 per month
• Health insurance: About EUR 150–400 per year
• DoV / CIMEA, apostille and translations: Varies; budget roughly BDT 15,000–40,000

You must prove at least EUR 10,179.85 for each academic year of study. The embassy checks not only the balance but whether the money genuinely belongs to you or your family and is consistent with your family's income and assets.

• The amount is EUR 10,179.85 per year for 2026/27 and 2027/28; MUR does not set an official monthly figure
• The Dhaka embassy requires 12 months of personal bank statements from a bank operating in Bangladesh, supported by other proof of solvency
• Sponsors can be parents or other relatives (grandparents, siblings, uncles, aunts, cousins), including relatives legally resident in Italy, and must show the source of funds such as salary, property or long-held investments
• Sudden large deposits or funds inconsistent with the family's income can lead to refusal; keep a clear paper trail
• Scholarships count only if you hold an explicit award letter; applying for or being eligible for a DSU scholarship is not accepted as proof
• You should also show you can afford a return journey, for example with a return ticket or extra funds

Visa interview

There is no standard interview for every applicant; the application is submitted at VFS and assessed on documents. However, the Embassy of Italy in Dhaka may call you for an interview or ask for additional documents, especially to verify your study plan, qualifications or finances. Some universities also hold online admission interviews.

• Know your program, university, city and course structure well, and be able to explain why you chose Italy
• Be ready to explain your funding and your sponsor's income clearly and consistently with your bank documents
• Bring originals of every document you submitted, including apostilled certificates
• Answer honestly about gaps in study or previous refusals
• Explain a realistic career plan that links the degree to opportunities in Bangladesh
• If you studied in English, be prepared to speak confidently in English; basic Italian phrases show commitment

Work rights

With a residence permit for study you may work part time for up to 20 hours per week, with a maximum of 1,040 hours per year. Your studies must remain your main activity, and you must still pass the exams required to renew your permit each year.

After completing a bachelor's, master's, PhD or university master in Italy, you can convert your study permit to a work permit (employment or self-employment) outside the annual entry quotas. If you do not yet have a job, you can request a job-seeking permit (attesa occupazione) and register with an employment centre, allowing you to stay for up to about 12 months while you look for work. Applications should be made before your study permit expires.

Tips & common mistakes

• Apply to universities early; validation slots are now capped at quota plus 20% and fill up
• Start your apostille and DoV or CIMEA process as soon as you have your certificates
• Keep money in the account for the full 12 months rather than depositing it just before applying
• Check your Universitaly email regularly, including spam, for VFS appointment messages
• Apply for the DSU regional scholarship where you will study; deadlines are usually in summer
• Choose English-taught programs if you do not speak Italian, but start learning basic Italian for daily life and part-time work
• Beware of anyone asking for deposits or fees for visa appointments; appointments come from VFS based on Universitaly
• Assuming the deadline is still 30 November: for 2027/28 it is 31 October 2027, and your university’s own deadline may be earlier
• Submitting a non-IELTS English test in Dhaka or an IELTS score below 6
• Showing bank statements with sudden large deposits or less than 12 months of history
• Counting a DSU scholarship application as proof of funds
• Missing apostilles or using multiple apostilles on the same document
• Not applying for the residence permit within eight working days of arrival
• Failing to pass the minimum number of exams, which blocks residence permit renewal

Frequently asked questions

How much money do I need to show for an Italian student visa?

At least EUR 10,179.85 per academic year for 2027/28, from lawful and traceable sources, supported by 12 months of bank statements from a bank in Bangladesh.

Which English test does the Italian Embassy in Dhaka accept?

The embassy's checklist accepts only IELTS for English, with a minimum score of 6, unless the university has already verified your English on Universitaly.

Do I need a Declaration of Value or CIMEA?

Yes. The Dhaka embassy requires either a Declaration of Value issued by the embassy (or its application receipt) or a verifiable CIMEA certificate.

What is the deadline to apply for the visa?

For 2027/28 bachelor’s and master’s programs, 31 October 2027 at the latest, but many universities set earlier deadlines.

Can I work while studying?

Yes, up to 20 hours per week and 1,040 hours per year with a valid residence permit for study.

Can I stay in Italy after graduation?

Yes. You can convert to a work permit outside the quota system if you find a job, or request a job-seeking permit for up to about 12 months.

Do I need an interview?

Not usually, but the embassy may call you for one or ask for more documents.

Can my relatives in Italy sponsor me?

Yes. The Dhaka embassy accepts relatives such as parents, grandparents, siblings, uncles, aunts and cousins, including those legally resident in Italy, who must provide a copy of their residence permit.

Official resources

• Universitaly – International students
• Embassy of Italy in Dhaka
• Visa for Italy (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
• VFS Global – Italy visa information for Bangladesh
• CIMEA – Italian ENIC-NARIC
• Portale Immigrazione – residence permit